Teaching Children about Wild Edibles

If you are a parent or a caregiver for a latency-aged child and you’re spending time learning about edible wild food then why not include your children? We teach our children about fruits and vegetables, why not wild edibles?

As you research through books or online, having your child beside you colouring is a way to promote family time while learning. EdibleWildFood.com now has a “Freebie” page in which you can download an edible wild colouring book. Be sure to show your child what the real plant looks like. Re-learning what our ancestors once ate can be a fun experience for everyone in the family.

It is important that while spending time with your child, that he or she is told to never pick anything without your supervision. If you venture into your backyard to collect dandelions, take your child with you so the hands on learning is done right. A child regardless of age loves to learn; and when all senses are used in the learning process this enhances the experience. If the parent or caregiver is a beginner themselves, then this experience is truly special.

Once you gather some wild edibles be sure to cook with them so your child can see for him or herself that yes, the dandelion is a food source. Make dandelion chips (or baked dandelion) so they can experience a new healthy snack. (Here is a recipe you can use; be sure to use many spices for flavour instead of the spiked salt.)